Premier Alan Carpenter has officially launched the biggest event of its kind in the world, the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.

Affectionately known as ‘The Aussies 2007’, the championships will be held at Scarborough Beach and are expected to attract about 6,500 competitors and officials from 200 surf life saving clubs around Australia.

“These championships illustrate the vital role played by Western Australia's tourism industry as a major contributor to the economic and cultural wealth of our great State.

“The State Government has invested $5.85million over three years into the event, which is expected to inject about $25million into Western Australia's economy and generate significant national media attention for the State.

“Images of iconic Scarborough Beach will be broadcast around the country and to the UK, one of our biggest tourism markets.

“Much of Perth’s accommodation is at capacity and this week there will be an extra 8,000 people eating at cafes and restaurants, drinking in bars and visiting attractions.

“We have more reason to celebrate, as this is the Year of the Surf Lifesaver and it is also the centenary of Surf Lifesaving.”

The Premier said a significant contribution, including services in kind, had been supplied by the City of Stirling, which would help ensure the event’s success.

Tourism WA has officially secured the Surf Life Saving Australian Championships for three years until 2009.

The Surf Life Saving Australian Championships will be held on Scarborough Beach from March 20–25.

The Carpenter Government continues to promote a healthy lifestyle for all Western Australians.